Bookshop and stationery: preparing for back to school and managing stock
A bookshop-stationery makes a large part of its year in a few weeks, at back to school. Anticipating orders and tracking stock makes all the difference.
Prepare for back to school early
Gather the supply and textbook lists of nearby schools as soon as they are available. Work out quantities to order from last year’s sales, plus a margin for growth.
A very varied stock
- Notebooks, pens, folders, bags, textbooks, novels, educational games.
- Sort by family and school level.
- Note the selling unit: piece, pack of 10, packet, ream.
- Always keep basics (notebooks, pens) in stock.
School and parent orders
Schools and associations order in bulk and often pay later. Record each order, the discount given and the credit with a due date. Parents expect complete lists: prepare ready-to-sell bundles.
Avoid end-of-year unsold stock
After back to school, sales drop. Do not reorder too many textbooks that may change next year, and plan a discount on what is left.
With Kaislo
Kaislo manages selling units, barcodes, stock with alerts, schools’ credit, controlled discounts and daily statistics during back to school. The Excel report gives the best-selling items.
Sales, stock, customer credit and evening accounts in one place, on phone or computer. 30-day free trial.
Bookshop and stationery: preparing for back to school and managing stock
How do you estimate quantities to order for back to school?
Start from last year’s sales per item, add expected growth and the official lists of nearby schools.
How do you track a school’s order?
Record the sale on credit under the school’s name with a due date, and note each payment received.